Router and rapid response network

ABSTRACT

A router includes a plurality of wireless network carrier cards, each of the network carrier cards adapted for use with one of a like plurality of different carrier networks, means for determining which of the plurality of network carrier cards provides a suitable connection to a carrier network and means for selecting one or more suitable connections to one or more carrier networks and for connecting the router to the carrier network through a particular one of the plurality of network carrier cards and a load balancing processor for load balancing between a plurality of different backbone networks and wherein the load balancing processor directs traffic among multiple networks to provide a desired throughput. In one embodiment, the router is provided as an evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 14/273,905 filed May 9, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/306,970 filed Nov. 29, 2011 now U.S. Pat. No.8,761,000, which applications claim the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/417,605 filed Nov. 29, 2010 under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)all of which applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

Not applicable.

FIELD

The system and techniques described herein relate generally to networksand more particularly to wireless network routers configured to operatewith one or more cellular networks and to bridge wireless connectivitygaps by enabling immediate and continuous communication through a secureWi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) network and to provide a gateway access point tothe internet by connection to 3G and/or 4G cellular networks.

BACKGROUND

As is known in the art, mobile computer and other mobile electronicdevice users are increasingly relying on continuous access to Wide AreaNetworks (WAN's), such as the world wide web (www), Internet, Intranets,etc. to access data and software tools and to remain in continuouscommunication with others, e.g. by email, instant message, telephone,etc. Recently, wireless communication systems utilizing designated radiofrequency bands have allowed mobile devices to interconnect with a WANwhenever the mobile device is within the usable range of a compatiblewireless network.

As is also known, in emergency situations, conventional wireless localarea network (WLAN) connections are often lost or unreliable. In thiscase, devices cannot communicate with a WAN or WLAN to access networkservices. Thus, first responders and other users often cannot receive orcommunicate information critical to success of a particular mission.

This problem has been addressed by cellular network providers byproviding cell phones and PDA's with access to a WAN over a cellularnetwork and by equipping cell phones and PDA's with basic email and webcontent display and editing functionality. However cell phones and PDA'sare not equipped to perform even routine computer tasks and mostportable computers are not equipped with cellular network interfacinggear. Accordingly, there is still a need to provide WAN access to mobileusers wishing to perform computer or higher processing tasks in placeswhere network access is not available or reliable, e.g. when travelingin a vehicle (bus or train), or boat or aircraft.

It would, therefore, be desirable to provide to a system which providescontinuous communications through a plurality of wireless carriers.

SUMMARY

The systems and methods described herein support connectivity ofprocessing units (e.g. clients) through one or more virtual privatenetworks (VPN's) as well as through an internet and supports services(e.g. system status) and characteristics detected by one or more sensors(e.g. a heart rate monitor) coupled to the VPN via a processing unit.

The systems and methods described herein can also dynamically createpeer VPN systems through cellular networks (i.e. processing unit toprocessing unit).

An evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router includes a pluralityof wireless network carrier cards, each of the network carrier cardsadapted for use with one of a like plurality of different carriernetworks, means for determining which of the plurality of networkcarrier cards provides a suitable connection to a carrier network andmeans for selecting (e.g., via a carrier selection processor) one ormore suitable connections to one or more carrier networks and forconnecting the EVDO router (e.g., via a carrier connection processor) tothe carrier network through a particular one of the plurality of networkcarrier cards. The EVDO router further includes a load balancing systemwhich directs traffic among multiple networks to provide a desiredthroughput. Stated differently, the router includes a load balancingmodule which utilizes multiple different carriers for load balancing.

With this particular arrangement, an EVDO wireless router acts as agateway and allows simultaneous connections (e.g., via a carrierconnection processor) to a plurality of different wireless wide areanetwork (WWAN) backbones. In one embodiment, the EVDO router performsload balancing between the plurality of different WWAN backbones.

Furthermore, since the EVDO gateway wireless router includes a pluralityof different wireless network carrier cards, the EVDO gateway wirelessrouter provides continuous communications through one or more or theplurality of wireless carriers.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to operate in a failovermode in which the system detects when one or more of a plurality ofdifferent networks is, for any reason, inoperable and routes all trafficonly over one or more operating networks of the plurality of differentnetworks. Thus, in the event that the system is coupled to two networksand only one of the networks is working, the system directs all data,communications and other formation through the working network.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router includes one or more indicators (e.g.light emitting diodes or other visual indicator) which identify to auser which of a plurality of carrier networks are available and/or inuse (e.g. WAN1 or WAN2).

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router comprises multiplePCI cards which allow the system to function as a multi-function routerwhich supports Wi-Fi and cellular networks. In one embodiment, the EVDOgateway wireless router creates a mesh network and/or provides multipleaccess points to a network.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router further includes anetwork controller with each of the plurality of network carrier cardsin communication with the network controller and each configured tobecome a client of a cellular network and to exchange network signals ofa cellular network signal configuration between the cellular network andthe network controller.

The EVDO router further comprises a network interface device incommunication with the network controller configured as a local areanetwork access point for hosting local area network configured clientdevices and for exchanging network signals of local area network signalconfiguration between the local area network client devices and thenetwork controller.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router is functional toreconfigure a cellular network signal configuration to a local areanetwork (LAN) signal configuration and vice-versa.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router is provided having asize and shape which makes the router suitable for inclusion in avehicle or to be carried into a building.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router includes a PC boardor mother board configured as a network controller. The EVDO gatewaywireless router includes first and second wireless network interfacedevices. The first wireless network interface device may be configuredas a cellular network interface device for exchanging network signalswith a cellular network such as an EVDO configured cellular network. Inthis way, the EVDO the router may access a one or more WANs through acellular network.

The second wireless network interface device may be configured toexchange second wireless network signals with a second wireless network,such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) configured as a Wi-Fi orother WLAN network. The network controller is also configured as arouter for hosting a plurality of WLAN configured client devices and fordirecting network traffic between the client devices and a cellularnetwork to access a WAN.

In particular, the router is configured to exchange signals betweenwireless networks of different configurations by exchanging wirelessnetwork signals with the first wireless network and the networkcontroller using the first wireless network interface device and betweenthe second wireless network and the network controller using the secondwireless network interface device. The router controller then convertsthe first wireless network signals to the configuration of secondwireless network signals and converts the second wireless networksignals to the configuration of first wireless network signals. Networktraffic can then be directed between the first and second wirelessnetworks.

With this particular arrangement, an EVDO gateway wireless routerenables users to bridge wireless connectivity gaps by enabling immediatecommunication through a secure Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) network and providea gateway access point to the internet via cellular networks (e.g. 3Gand/or 4G cellular networks). The inter-link between the EVDO device andthe cellular networks (3G or 4G) can be interconnected and sharedvirtually anywhere with the created network. The EVDO wireless systemdescribed herein fills the connectivity divides which separates variouswireless systems, limit signal strength and service reach, coordinatedresponse and resolution. The EVDO device described herein providessecure connectivity needed to support uninterrupted situational commandand control capabilities and sustained interconnectivity across thedivides of disparate networks.

The EVDO device facilitates seamless delivery of dependablecommunications for Government employees or corporate users within awireless network and provides colleagues with the ability to remotelyaccess secure private networks. Users achieve new levels of broadbandcommunications and significantly extend and maximize the reach, scalesand value of existing network assets.

Furthermore, in emergency response situations, the EVDO device describedherein reaches beyond multi-channel capacity to help secure, protect andprioritize the throughput of mission critical data for first respondersand other Government agencies. The EVDO device described herein includesproprietary software code which offers Government entities anintelligent means for sustained interconnected communications support.The distinct advantages of the EVDO system provide tremendous reliefduring a response to a natural disaster or acts of terrorism. Firstresponders can quickly establish situational command and controlcommunications outputs sand share information vital to their missionwith other responders and operations centers via the internet.

The installment of an EVDO router on a bus, train, boat or other movingvehicle presents passengers with new levels of real-time, converged IPvoice, video and data services. Even high-speed motor vehicles canimmediately establish multi-service networks on the fly and stayconnected to fixed devices (e.g. RF towers) as well as to other mobilevehicles (e.g. safety vehicles such as police and fire vehicles) andwith the use of vehicle mounted routers (VMRs) and intelligent basestation (IBS) units which create a wireless mesh on the fly with otherIBS/VMR devices. The IBS/VMR devices also perform access point (AP)services for other processing devices (e.g. portable processing elementssuch as laptops, tablets and other peripherals. This is enabled byhand-off technologies included in the EVDO device which ensure low,predictable delay and fill communication gaps, providing theconnectivity for concurrent N-way, real time video conferencing datasharing and application access among mobile vehicles and individualsover large geographic areas.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router operates as a dualband gateway and thus is configured to operate with dual band carrierswith a first carrier corresponding to a 1900 MHz North American PCS bandand a second carrier corresponding to 2496-2690 MHz BRS/EBS band in USAand UMTS extension.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router operates in a time division duplex(TDD) 2.5 GHz mode.

In one embodiment the EVDO router operates with dual band receiverdiversity (e.g. 1900 MHz and 2.5 GHz).

In one embodiment, the EVDO router utilizes an IP mobility routingtechnique described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,869,407 filed on Nov. 15, 2008and assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure and incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router includes a plurality of WWAN, WWAN1and WWAN2 interfaces, a LAN 4-port switch, IP Router-10/100 (RJ 45) WAN1-port 10/100 (RJ 45) and a USB interface.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router includes a plurality of indicators(e.g. status LEDs) to indicate status of the WWAN connectivity, the4-port LAN Switch, and the WAN as well as power being delivered to therouter.

Additionally, in one aspect of the concepts described herein, anevolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router includes a plurality ofwireless network carrier cards with each of the network carrier cardsadapted for use with one of a like plurality of different carriernetworks. The EVDO wireless router also includes a carrier connectionprocessor to determine which of the plurality of network carrier cardsprovides a suitable connection to a carrier network. The EVDO wirelessrouter additionally includes a carrier selection processor to select oneor more suitable connections to one or more of the carrier networks inresponse to formation from the carrier sense processor. The EVDOwireless router further includes a carrier connection processor toconnect the EVDO router to the carrier network through a particular oneof the plurality of network carrier cards.

The EVDO wireless router additionally includes a load balancingprocessor for load balancing between a plurality of different backbonenetworks wherein the load balancing processor directs traffic amongmultiple networks to provide a desired throughput. The EVDO wirelessrouter further includes a failover system for detecting a networkfailure and in response to detection of a network failure for causingthe router to operate in a failover mode such that the routes all data,communications and other information only over an operating network.

The EVDO wireless router may include one or more of the followingfeatures individually or in combination with other features. A means forsimultaneously connecting the EVDO router connections to a plurality ofdifferent wireless wide area network (WWAN) backbones. A load balancingprocessor for load balancing between the plurality of different WWANbackbones where the load balancing processor directs traffic amongmultiple networks to provide a desired throughput. The EVDO wirelessrouter may provide continuous communications through one or more or theplurality of wireless carriers. A failover module which provides a meansto operate in a failover mode such that the EVDO wireless router routesall data, communications and other information only over an operatingnetwork.

The EVDO wireless router may also include one or more of the followingfeatures individually or in combination with other features. One or moreindicators which identify to a user which of a plurality of carriernetworks are available and/or in use. Multiple Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI) cards which allow the EVDO wireless router tofunction as a multi-function router which supports Wi-Fi and cellularnetworks. A means for creating a mesh network and/or provide multipleaccess points to a network. A network controller with each of theplurality of network carrier cards in communication with the networkcontroller and each configured to become a client of a cellular networkand to exchange network signals of a cellular network signalconfiguration between the cellular network and the network controller.

The EVDO wireless router may include one or more of the followingfeatures individually or in combination with other features. A networkinterface device in communication with the network controller configuredas a local area network access point for hosting local area networkconfigured client devices and for exchanging network signals of localarea network signal configuration between the local area network clientdevices and the network controller. The EVDO wireless router is providedhaving a size and shape which makes the router suitable for inclusion ina vehicle or to be carried into a building. A means for enablingimmediate communication through a secure Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n) networkand for providing a gateway access point to an internet by connectionvia 3G and/or 4G cellular networks.

Additionally, in another aspect of the concepts described herein, amethod for operating an EVDO wireless router comprises determiningwhether a connection to a carrier grade modem exists and, in response toa carrier grade modem existing, identifying the carrier. The method alsoincludes allocating an appropriate configuration for the identifiedcarrier.

The method may include one or more of the following features eitherindividually or in combination with other features. Performing a dial upprocess and implementing a firewall for each carrier. Performing one ofa load balance between the two dial ups or selecting one dial up andidentifying the second dial up as a failover; and performing services.

Additionally, in yet another aspect of the concepts described herein, arouter includes a plurality of wireless network carrier cards with eachof the network carrier cards adapted for use with one of a likeplurality of different carrier networks. The router also includes acarrier connection processor to determine which of the plurality ofnetwork carrier cards provides a suitable connection to a carriernetwork. The router additionally includes a carrier selection processorto select one or more suitable connections to one or more of the carriernetworks in response to formation from the carrier sense processor. Therouter further includes a carrier connection processor to connect therouter to the carrier network through a particular one of the pluralityof network carrier cards. Additionally, the router includes a loadbalancing processor for load balancing between a plurality of differentbackbone networks and wherein the load balancing processor directstraffic among multiple networks to provide a desired throughput.

Additionally, in yet another aspect of the concepts described herein, arouter includes a plurality of wireless network carrier cards with eachof the network carrier cards adapted for use with one of a likeplurality of different carrier networks. The router also includes acarrier connection processor to determine which of the plurality ofnetwork carrier cards provides a suitable connection to a carriernetwork. The router additionally includes a carrier selection processorto select one or more suitable connections to one or more of the carriernetworks in response to formation from the carrier sense processor. Therouter further includes a carrier connection processor to connect therouter to the carrier network through a particular one of the pluralityof network carrier cards. Additionally, the router includes a failoversystem for detecting a network failure and in response to detection of anetwork failure for causing the router to operate in a failover modesuch that the routes all data, communications and other information onlyover an operating network.

Additionally, in yet another aspect of the concepts described herein, asystem for providing communications at an incident site includes atleast one evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router. The EVDOwireless router includes a plurality of wireless network carrier cardswith each of the network carrier cards adapted for use with one of alike plurality of different carrier networks. The EVDO wireless routeralso includes a carrier connection processor to determine which of theplurality of network carrier cards provides a suitable connection to acarrier network. The EVDO wireless router additionally includes acarrier selection processor to select one or more suitable connectionsto one or more of the carrier networks in response to information fromthe carrier sense processor.

The EVDO wireless router further includes a carrier connection processorto connect the EVDO router to the carrier network through a particularone of the plurality of network carrier cards. Additionally, the EVDOwireless router includes a load balancing processor for load balancingbetween a plurality of different backbone networks and wherein the loadbalancing processor directs traffic among multiple networks to provide adesired throughput. The EVDO wireless router also includes a failoversystem for defecting a network failure and in response to defection of anetwork failure for causing the router to operate in a failover modesuch that the routes all data, communications and other information onlyover an operating network;

The system for providing communications at an incident site alsoincludes at least one wireless intelligent base station (IBS) whichprovides a core mesh cloud of our rapidly-deployable, saturation-averse,secure high band-width networks. The IBS includes four radio frequencytransmitter/receiver units; a 2.4 GHz MIMO; a 5.2 GHz MIMO; and a MESHradio.

The system additionally includes one or more vehicle mounted routers.Each of the one or more vehicle mounted routers includes a means forestablishing a communications link and for ensuring that thecommunications link is stable and usable before transmitting data. Theone or more vehicle mounted routers additionally include a means forprotecting prioritized services in real-time. The one or more vehiclemounted routers further include a means for creating a self-forming meshis and for automatically reconfiguring itself to support a downed devicefrom either catastrophic failure or device(s) leaving the location.

Additionally, in yet another aspect of the concepts described herein, asystem for providing communications at an incident site includes firstand second evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless routers. Each of thefirst and second EVDO wireless routers includes a plurality of wirelessnetwork carrier cards, each of the network carrier cards adapted for usewith one of a like plurality of different carrier networks. The firstand second EVDO wireless routers also include a carrier connectionprocessor to determine which of the plurality of network carrier cardsprovides a suitable connection to a carrier network. The first andsecond EVDO wireless routers additionally include a carrier selectionprocessor to select one or more suitable connections to one or more ofthe carrier networks in response to information from the carrier senseprocessor. The first and second EVDO wireless routers further include acarrier connection processor to connect the EVDO router to the carriernetwork through a particular one of the plurality of network carriercards.

The first and second EVDO wireless routers additionally include a loadbalancing processor for load balancing between a plurality of differentbackbone networks wherein the load balancing processor directs trafficamong multiple networks to provide a desired throughput. The first andsecond EVDO wireless routers also include a failover system fordetecting a network failure and in response to detection of a networkfailure for causing the router to operate in a failover mode such thatthe routes all data, communications and other information only over anoperating network.

The system also includes a virtual private network coupled between thefirst and second EVDO wireless routers.

The EVDO router described herein finds use in a variety of differentapplications.

For example, first responders to fire, natural disaster, terrorism,plane crashes face a growing range of ever more complex incidents. TheEVDO router described herein allows first responder organizations torespond rapidly to events knowing that their field networks will formquickly and be able to reliably transmit essential voice, video and datacommunications.

In transportation applications (e.g. commuter trains, urban subways andother densely crowded transportation environments), the EVDO routerdescribed herein allows early and accurate communications about locationand situation to take place. Such early and accurate communications canmake a large difference between a manageable event and an out-of-controlcrisis.

The EVDO router described herein enables flexible, adaptable,saturation-averse and far-reaching solutions for stand-alone, mobile andad hoc networks. From underground to over water, the EVDO routerdescribed herein cooperates with wireless mesh networks to offerreliable, high-bandwidth communications that support essential servicessuch as real-time voice and video communications as well as real-timeposition location tracking.

In applications like border security and homeland security, the U.S.Government operates networks with a critical need for saturation-aversereliability, self-healing resiliency, high bandwidth and ‘go anywhere’reach and network extensibility. The EVDO router described herein allowsorganizations to deploy networks that operate reliably in the mostchallenging environments while providing real-time video, voice and datacommunications required for successful operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below and the accompanying drawings, which aregiven by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the presentdisclosure, and wherein:

FIGS. 1-5 are block diagrams of exemplary network environments includingan EVDO gateway wireless router;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an EVDO gateway wireless router of the typewhich may be used in the network environment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of the processing performed by an EVDO gatewaywireless router; and

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a test services process performed by an EVDOgateway wireless router.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary network includes a gateway 10provided as an evolution-data optimized (EVDO) wireless router 10.Gateway 10 provides access to an internet 12 (e.g. such as the worldwide web) over a wireless path 11 and also provides access to aplurality of wireless wide area networks (WAN) backbone networks withonly two such backbone networks 13, 22 being here shown for clarity.

Backbone networks 13, 22, in turn, are in communication with respectiveones of a plurality of radio towers 14, 30 as well as users 16-20 and24-18. Other networks such as private network 32 and other users such asusers 34-38 may be directly or indirectly coupled to internet 12.

As will be described below in more detail, WWANs 13, 22 to which users16-20 and 24-28 are coupled may be provided as vehicle mounted routers(VMRs). Users 16-20, 24-28 may correspond to individual users or mayrepresent other wide area networks which themselves may includeplurality of network devices including but not limited to servers,digital data storage devices, telephone switching gear and networktraffic controllers, all interconnected by a wire and sometimes wirelessinfrastructure and other global telecommunications infrastructures. WANnetworks may act as a host to many network clients with each networkclient having a unique network identifier (e.g., an internet protocol(IP) address or a universal resource locator (URL)).

The EVDO wireless router 10 includes a plurality of wireless networkcarrier cards, each of the network carrier cards adapted for use withone of a like plurality of different carrier networks (e.g. networks 13,22). EVDO wireless router 10 determines (e.g., via a carrier connectionprocessor) which of the plurality of network carrier cards provides asuitable connection to a carrier network and then selects (e.g., via acarrier selection processor) one or more suitable connections to one ormore carrier networks such that a communication path is provided betweenthe EVDO router and the carrier network through a particular one of theplurality of network carrier cards.

In this manner, the EVDO wireless router acts as a gateway and allowssimultaneous connections to a plurality of different wireless wide areanetwork (WWAN) backbones. Furthermore EVDO router 10 comprises a loadbalancing processor which performs load balancing between the pluralityof different WWAN backbones and directs traffic among multiple networksto provide a desired throughput.

Since the EVDO router includes 10 a plurality of different wirelessnetwork carrier cards, the EVDO gateway wireless router can providecontinuous communications through one or more or the plurality ofwireless carriers. Examples of different WWAN carriers include, but arenot limited to, T-Mobile, Sprint-Nextel, Verizon and AT&T Wireless.

EVDO router 10 further comprises a failover module which causes therouter to operate in a failover mode in which the router routes alltraffic only over an operating network. Thus, in the event that thesystem is coupled to two WWAN networks, for example, and only one of theWWAN networks is working, the system directs all data, communicationsand other information through the working network.

Thus, the EVDO router described herein finds use in a variety ofdifferent applications. For example, first responders to fire, naturaldisaster, terrorism, plane crashes face a growing range of ever morecomplex incidents. The EVDO router described herein allows firstresponder organizations to respond rapidly to events knowing that theirfield networks will form quickly and be able to reliably transmitessential voice, video and data communications.

In transportation applications (e.g. commuter trains, urban subways andother densely crowded transportation environments). The EVDO routerdescribed herein allows early and accurate communications about locationand situation to take place. Such early and accurate communications canmake a large difference between a manageable event and an out-of-controlcrisis.

The EVDO router described herein enables flexible, adaptable,saturation-averse and far-reaching solutions for stand-alone, mobile andad hoc networks. From underground to over water, the EVDO routerdescribed herein cooperates with wireless mesh networks to offerreliable, high-bandwidth communications that support essential servicessuch as real-time voice and video communications as well as real-timeposition location tracking.

In applications like border security and homeland security, the U.S.Government operates networks with a critical need for saturation-aversereliability, self-healing resiliency, high bandwidth and ‘go anywhere’reach and network extensibility. The EVDO router described herein allowsorganizations to deploy networks that operate reliably in the mostchallenging environments while providing real-time video, voice and datacommunications required for successful operations.

The EVDO gateway wireless router includes multiple PCI cards which allowthe system to function as a multi-function router which supports Wi-Fiand cellular networks and which can also create a mesh network and/orprovide multiple access points to a network.

The EVDO gateway wireless router includes a network controller with eachof the plurality of network carrier cards in communication with thenetwork controller and each configured to become a client of a cellularnetwork and to exchange network signals of a cellular network signalconfiguration between the cellular network and the network controller.The router also includes a network interface device in communicationwith the network controller configured as a local area network accesspoint for hosting local area network configured client devices and forexchanging network signals of local area network signal configurationbetween the local area network client devices and the networkcontroller.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router is functional toreconfigure a cellular network signal configuration to a local areanetwork (LAN) signal configuration and vice-versa.

The EVDO gateway wireless router includes first and second wirelessnetwork interface devices which may be configured as a cellular networkinterface device for exchanging network signals with a cellular networksuch as an EVDO configured cellular network. In this way, the EVDO therouter may access a one or more WANs through a cellular network.

The second wireless network interface device may be configured toexchange second wireless network signals with a second wireless network,such as a wireless local area network (WLAN) configured as a Wi-Fi orother WLAN network. The network controller also hosts a plurality ofWLAN configured client devices and directs network traffic between theclient devices and a cellular network to access a WAN.

Thus, the EVDO router is configured to exchange signals between wirelessnetworks of different configurations by exchanging wireless networksignals with the first wireless network and the network controller usingthe first wireless network interface device and between the secondwireless network and the network controller using the second wirelessnetwork interface device. The router controller then converts the firstwireless network signals to the configuration of second wireless networksignals and converts the second wireless network signals to theconfiguration of first wireless network signals. Network traffic canthen be directed between the first and second wireless networks.

In this manner the EVDO gateway wireless router 10 enables users tobridge wireless connectivity gaps by enabling immediate communicationthrough a secure Wi-Fi (802/11 b/g/n) network and provide a gatewayaccess point to the internet by connection via 3G and/or 4G cellularnetworks. The inter-link between the EVDO device and the cellularnetworks (3G or 4G) can be interconnected and shared virtually anywherewith the created network. The EVDO wireless system described hereinfills the connectivity divides which separates various wireless systems,limit signal strength and service reach, coordinated response andresolution. The EVDO device described herein provides secureconnectivity needed to support uninterrupted situational command andcontrol capabilities and sustained interconnectivity across the dividesof disparate networks.

The EVDO device facilitates seamless delivery of dependablecommunications for Government employees or corporate users within awireless network and provides colleagues with the ability to remotelyaccess secure private networks. Users achieve new levels of broadbandcommunications and significantly extend and maximize the reach, scalesand value of existing network assets.

Furthermore, in emergency response situations, the EVDO device describedherein reaches beyond multi-channel capacity to help secure, protect andprioritize the throughput of mission critical data for first respondersand other Government agencies. The EVDO device described herein includesproprietary software code which offers Government entities anintelligent means for sustained interconnected communications support.The distinct advantages of the EVDO system provide tremendous reliefduring a response to a natural disaster or acts of terrorism. Firstresponders can quickly establish situational command and controlcommunications outputs sand share information vital to their missionwith other responders and operations centers via the internet.

The installment of an EVDO router on a bus, train, boat or other movingvehicle presents passengers with new levels of real-time, converged IPvoice, video and data services. Even high-speed motor vehicles canimmediately establish multi-service networks “on the fly” and stayconnected to towers and other mobile vehicles with the use of VMRS andIBS units. This is enabled by hand-off technologies included in the EVDOdevice which ensure low, predictable delay and fill communication gaps,providing the connectivity for concurrent N-way, real time videoconferencing data sharing and application access among mobile vehiclesand individuals over large geographic areas.

In one embodiment, the EVDO gateway wireless router operates as a dualband gateway and thus is configured to operate with dual band carrierswith a first carrier corresponding to a 1900 MHz North American PCS bandand a second carrier corresponding to 2496-2690 MHz BRS/EBS band in USAand UMTS extension.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router operates in a time division duplex(TDD) 2.5 GHz mode.

In one embodiment the EVDO router operates with dual band receiverdiversely (e.g. 1900 MHz and 2.5 GHz).

In one embodiment, the EVDO router utilizes an IP mobility routingtechnique described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,869,407 filed on Nov. 15, 2006and assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure. In oneembodiment, the EVDO router includes a plurality of WWAN, WWAN1 andWWAN2 interfaces.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first responder scenario in which first respondersare required at two different incident sites 40, 42. The nature ofincident sites 40, 42 is such that a first set of first responders 44responds to the first incident site 40 and a second set of responders 46responds to the second incident site 42.

It is assumed for ease of explanation and illustration of the conceptsdescribed herein that responders 44 correspond to a first set of firemenand responders 44 correspond to a second different set of firemen. It isfurther assume that a first fire chief is assigned to and on-site atfirst incident site 40 and that a second different fire chief isassigned and on-site at second incident site 42. It is also assumed forthe purposes of this example, that a fire department operations centerpoint 52 is remotely located from incident sites 40, 42 and that it isdesirable to transmit and share all information from incident sites 40,42 with operations center 52.

It should, of course, be appreciated that although in the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 2 responders 44, 46 correspond to firemen, responders44, 46 can be any type of safety personnel including, but not limited topolicemen, medical personnel or military personnel and that appropriatechief safety officials are assigned to each incident site 40, 42. Itshould also be appreciated that although in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2, only two incident sites are illustrated, the system andtechniques described herein can accommodate more than two incidentsites.

A first EVDO wireless router 48 operates at first incident site 40. EVDOrouter 48 establishes one or more network connections (e.g., via acarrier connection processor). For example EVDO router 48 establishesone or more cell carrier connections and internet connections to acommand center 52 (e.g. a Fire Department Operations Center) locatedremotely from incident sites 40, 42. It should be appreciated thatalthough only one cell carrier connection 50, 50 a is illustrated inFIG. 2, EVDO router 43 supports connections with multiple carriers.

Vehicle mounted router (VMR) and intelligent base station (IBS) units 51create a wireless mesh on the fly with other IBS/VMR units. The IBS/VMRunits also perform access point (AP) services for other processingdevices (e.g. portable processing elements such as laptops, tablets andother peripherals). This is enabled by hand-off technologies included inthe EVDO router 48 which ensure low, predictable delay and fillcommunication gaps, providing the connectivity for concurrent N-way,real time video conferencing data sharing and application access amongmobile vehicles and individuals over large geographic areas.

Similarly a second EVDO wireless router 52 operates at second incidentsite 42. EVDO router 52 also establishes one or more network connections(e.g., via a carrier connection processor). For example EVDO router 52establishes one or more cell carrier connections and internetconnections to the command center 52. It should again be appreciatedthat although only one cell carrier connection 54, 54 a is illustratedin FIG. 2, EVDO router 52 supports connections with multiple carriers.

A vehicle mounted router (VMR) and intelligent base station (IBS) units54 create a wireless mesh at incident site 42 on the fly with otherIBS/VMR units. The IBS/VMR devices also perform access point (AP)services for other processing devices (e.g. portable processing elementssuch as laptops, tablets and other peripherals). This is enabled byhand-off technologies included in the EVDO router 52 which ensure low,predictable delay and fill communication gaps, providing theconnectivity for concurrent N-way, real time video conferencing datasharing and application access among mobile vehicles and individualsover large geographic areas.

EVDO routers 48, 53 establish a virtual private network (VPN) 60there-between. Thus, system connectivity is supported through VPN's aswell as through conventional links.

To establish VPN nodes at both EVDO routers 48, 52, the DNS carrier I/Fin each router is used and the VPN creates a tunnel between VPN node 48and VPN node 52. Once the carrier comes online, an IP address isdynamically assigned (e.g. evdo1.dyndns.org and evdo2.dyndns.org) toeach EVDO router (here only two routers 48, 52 are shown). The VPN issubsequently established between the two nodes (i.e. routers 48, 53).Thus, if two or more devices are deployed, then each device uses adynamically assigned IP address to establish the VPN connection. Therouters can thus dynamically create peer VPN systems (i.e. unit to unit)via a cellular (or other wireless) networks.

In this way, the routers support connectivity of processing units (e.g.clients) through one or more virtual private networks (VPN's) as well asthrough an internet and supports services (e.g. system status) andcharacteristics detected by one or more sensors (e.g. a heart ratemonitor) coupled to the VPN via a processing unit

The DNS name resolution on carrier interfaces of both routers are usedto create the VPN (aka a tunnel) between both nodes 48, 54. Each of theVPN devices or gateways is preferably replicated with identicalconfiguration for the virtual services. In accordance with oneembodiment, the VPN devices or gateways may be provided as SSL VPNdevices. However, it can be appreciated that VPN devices or gateways canbe based on any suitable VPN technology including IPsec (IPsecurity)—commonly used over IPv4, and an obligatory part of IPv6, PPTP(Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol),L2TPv3 (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol version 3), and VPN Quarantine.

By coupling EVDO routers 48, 52 through a VPN, information collected atincident site 40 may be shared with information collected at incidentsite 42. Thus, a fire chief (or other safety official) having aprocessing device (e.g. a laptop computer) directly coupled to EVDOrouter 48 is able to receive and share information with a fire chiefhaving a processing device (e.g. a laptop computer) directly coupled toEVDO router 64 and vice-versa.

Although a wireless connections 50, 50 a and 54, 54 a are shown in FIG.2. It should be appreciated that copper, fiber or other hardwireconnections (indicated by reference numeral 55) may also be used, inwhole or in part, in the communication path between EVDO devices 48, 52and servers 53 disposed in command center 52.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an EVDO gateway wireless router 10′ establishescommunications links 14′, 30′ with two different cell carriers 13′, 22′(e.g., via a carrier connection processor). Router 10′ may be the sameas or similar to router 10 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1and likewise, links 14′, 30′ and cell carriers 13′, 22′ may be the sameas or similar to links 14, 30 and cell carriers 13, 22 described abovein conjunction with FIG. 1. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, cellcarriers 13′, 22′ are illustrated as Verizon Wireless and NYC Wincarriers. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, of course,that cell carriers 13′, 22′ can correspond to any cell or wirelesscarrier and is not limited to Verizon or NYC Win carriers.

VPN connections 60 a, 60 b are established between a point of contact(POC) 32′ and EVDO 10′ through carrier connections 13′, 22′. POC 32′ maybe coupled to one or more servers 62. To establish the node VPN at EVDOrouter 10′, the DNS carrier I/F is used and the VPN creates a tunnelbetween VPN node 10′ and VPN node 62. Once the carrier comes online, anIP address is dynamically assigned. The VPN is subsequently establishedbetween the two nodes.

EVDO 10′ is also coupled (e.g. via an Ethernet connection 11′) to one ormore VMRs (only one VMR 70 being shown in FIG. 3 for clarity) whichestablish a connection to an internet 12′ which may be the same as orsimilar to internet 12 described above in conjunction with FIG. 1. EachVMR 70 provides an access point for any clients (e.g. users 16-20,24-28, and 34-38 in FIG. 1)

Referring now to FIG. 4, a plurality of emergency vehicles 80 a-80 h aredeployed about a building 82 at which some incident (e.g. fire, etc . .. ) has taken place. Each emergency vehicle 80 a-80 h has disposedthereon a vehicle mounted router (VMR) 84 a-84 h.

Each VMR 80 a-80 h operates to automatically and rapidly establish awireless communications service that reaches high-angle aerial,underground, deep in-building and externally located responders andsupporting entities. Thus, the network deploys immediately and easily toform a secure, self-healing mesh broadband network that supportsreal-time IP based voice, video and data services. In addition to rapidcommunications via links 83, the VMRs provides a high-speedcommunication system that establishes and maintains a multi-servicenetwork connection to fixed infrastructure towers (e.g. towers 14, 30shown in FIG. 1), as well as ad hoc communications among stationary andmoving vehicles (e.g. vehicles 80 a-80 h), without high bandwidth loss.VMRs 80 a-80 h support concurrent, two-way, real-time videoconferencing, data sharing, and application access among mobile vehiclesand individuals over large geographic areas.

The emergency response communications system of FIG. 4 utilizes amulti-mesh backbone wireless system provided by VMRs 80 a-80 h, and RDR90. The mesh and mobile IP wireless solutions enable delivery ofhigh-bandwidth data and real-time converged services among stationaryand moving users, in challenging environments.

The mesh supports common-off-the-shelf and legacy components,applications, and hand-held devices to communicate in adverseenvironments. With the mesh, routers on the system can communicatewithout over saturating (or using more power), keeping within FCCregulations in licensed and unlicensed frequencies. The VMRs ensuresthat the communications link is stable and usable before transmittingdata, and network management protects prioritized services in real-time.The mesh is self-forming and automatically reconfigures itself tosupport a downed device from either catastrophic failure or device(s)leaving the location.

Working together, the mounted and mobile routers are designed to supportcommunications at the terrestrial and sub-terrestrial levels. The VMRsare layer-4 aware and therefore provide the necessary features for truemesh and mobile broadband IP solutions. Each VMR supports a plurality ofdifferent radio transceivers (e.g. in the range of four to eight radiotransceivers). Each VMR 80 a-80 h also supports a multitude of frequencybands, licensed or unlicensed: unlicensed ranging from 180 MHz to 6 GHz.

The radios utilize the mini-PCI format for modularity and investmentprotection by allowing new technologies such as WiMAX and 802.11n MIMOradios to be added. The VMRs utilize orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing (OFDM) modulation technology to easily deliver speedsupwards of 100+ Mb/s in direct line of sight applications, and supportsnear-line-of-sight (NLOS) wireless communication as well. A hand offlayer acts as the bridge for all broadband wireless mobile devices tolink into an IBS which is a core router which supports roaming IPaddresses, and eventually link into the Public Internet.

It should be noted that each VMR 84 a-84 h has the capability totransmit to the operations center. In this exemplary embodiment however,only VMR 80 h performs the OC backhaul as indicated by reference numeral86.

The system further includes one or more rapid deploy routers (RDRs) 90only one of which is shown in FIG. 4. RDR 90 is in communication withVMRs 80 a, 80 h. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, RDR 90 transmitsvideo signals to VMRs 80 a, 80 h. In general RDR units establish aportable mesh node with access points and allow in-building coverage byextending the mesh insides structures (e.g. inside structure 82). RDR 90also performs access point services for laptop computers and otherportable processing devices (e.g. tablets) and peripherals. In oneembodiment, AES encryption is utilized on all mesh links (e.g. links83). In one embodiment, RDR units operate at frequencies of 900 MHz and2.4 GHz.

It should also be appreciated that VMR 84 d also acts as a local accesspoint (AP) for mobile processing devices 91 a, 91 b.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a system includes an EVDO router 100 whichincludes at least two RF transceivers (not visible in FIG. 5). The RFtransceivers transmit and receive signals at two different frequenciesvia respective ones of antenna 102 a, 102 b. A first one of thetransceivers is coupled to antenna 102 a and EVDO router 100 forms afirst communication path 103 to one or more servers 104 via a firstwireless link 103 provided as an IP wireless cell carrier connection ata frequency of about 2600 Mhz. In one exemplary embodiment, such aconnection may be made via the New York City Wireless Network (NYCWIN).Other emergency and non-emergency wireless services (e.g. other citywidewireless services) may, of course also be used. Via link 103, router 100establishes a secure VPN connection (e.g. an IPSEC/SSL VPN tunnel) tothe one or more servers 104.

Concurrently EVDO router 100 forms a second communication path 105 toservers 104 via antenna 102 b (e.g., via a carrier connectionprocessor). A second one of the transceivers is coupled to antenna 102 band EVDO router 100 forms a second communication path 105 to the one ormore servers 104. The second communication path is established via asecond cell carrier connection (e.g., via a carrier connectionprocessor) at a frequency of about 1900 MHz. In one embodiment, router100 utilizes a Verizon wireless service and EVDO at 1900 MHz. Via link105, router 100 establishes a second secure VPN connection (e.g. anIPSEC/SSL VPN tunnel) to the one or more servers 104.

Router 100 thus performs backhaul tasks to server 104 via wirelesscarrier services (e.g. NYCWIN and Verizon services). Furthermore, router100 determines (e.g., via a carrier connection processor) the best linkpossible to communicate with the server 104 based upon the performanceof the links. Accordingly, all network traffic between the links (e.g.all traffic from NYCWIN to Verizon and vice-versa) is walled off to stopcross network contamination.

Router 100 also has a first Ethernet connection 106 to a mobileprocessing device 110 (e.g. a laptop computer) and a second Ethernetconnection 112 coupled to an Intelligent Base Station/vehicle mountedrouter (IBS/VMR) VMR 114. Internal devices connected to the Ethernetports are NAT translated.

IBS/VMR 114 includes at least two RF transceivers (not visible in FIG.5). The RF transceivers transmit and receive signals at two differentfrequencies via respective ones of antenna 118 a, 118 b. Via a first VMRtransceiver and antenna 118 a, VMR establishes a wireless link to afirst processing device 118 which may be provided, for example, asmobile processing device such as a laptop computer. In one embodimentthe link is established at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. Via a second VMRtransceiver and antenna 118 b, VMR also concurrently establishes awireless link to an RDR unit 120. In one embodiment the link isestablished at a frequency of 900 MHz.

IBS/VMR 114 forms a mesh and also provides access point services (e.g.for mobile processing device 118). It should be appreciated that IBS/VMRhas the ability to create a mesh on the fly with other IBS/VMR devices.As noted above, IBS/VMR 114 also performs access point services forprocessing devices including, but not limited laptop computers and otherperipherals. In one embodiment encryption (e.g. AES encryption) is usedon all mesh links. It should be appreciated that although the exemplaryembodiment described herein utilizes frequencies of 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz,other frequencies may also be used.

It should be appreciated that IBS/VMR 114 provides a core mesh cloud ofa rapidly-deployable, saturation-averse, secure high band-width 802.11network. In one embodiment, the IBS/VMR 114 includes a four radiofrequency transceivers corresponding to 2.4 GHz MIMO and 5.2 GHz MIMOMESH radios.

EVDO router 100 and IBS/VMR 114 rapidly and automatically establish awireless communications service (e.g., via a carrier connectionprocessor). RDR unit 120 establishes a portable mesh node with accesspoints to other processing devices such as mobile processing device 122.RDR unit 120 also allows in-building coverage by extending the meshinsides structures (e.g. such as structure 82 in FIG. 4). In this way,the wireless communication service established by EVDO router 100 andIBS/VMR 114 is able to reach high-angle aerial, underground, deepin-building and externally located responders and supporting entities.

The network formed by router 100 and IBS/VMR 114 deploy immediately andform a secure, self-healing mesh broadband network that supportsreal-time IP based voice, video and data services. The system supportsconcurrent, two-way, real-time video conferencing, data sharing, andapplication access among mobile vehicles and individuals over largegeographic areas. The devices are layer-4 aware and therefore providethe necessary features for true mesh and mobile broadband IP solutions

Referring now to FIG. 6 an EVDO gateway wireless router 140 which may bethe same as or similar to EVDO gateway wireless router 10 describedabove in conjunction with FIG. 1, includes a plurality of LAN ports 142a-142 d leading to a true four port network switch, a plurality of USBports 144, 148 a, 148 b each of which are coupled to mini-PCI-Exconnections. Ports 148 a, 148 b are used for example to coupled towireless carrier systems (e.g. NYCWIN and Verizon wireless carriersystems). The USB ports can be used to connect peripherals (e.g. GPSdevices). The system also includes a direct WAN for an Ethernetconnection via an Ethernet interface module installed in the routerwhich operates in accordance with IEEE standard 802.3 as is generallyknown.

In one embodiment, the EVDO Gateway Wireless Router operates as a dualband gateway and thus is configured to operate with dual band carrierswith a first carrier corresponding to a 1900 MHz North American PCS bandand a second carrier corresponding to 2496-2690 MHz BRS/EBS band in USAand UMTS extension.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router operates in a time division duplex(TDD) 2.5 GHz mode.

In one embodiment the EVDO router operates with dual band receiverdiversity (e.g. 1900 MHz and 2.5 GHz).

In one embodiment, the EVDO router utilizes an IP mobility routingtechnique described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/600,007assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure and published on Sep.27, 2007 as Pat. Publ. 2007-0225019 which application is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the EVDO router includes a plurality of WWAN, WWAN1and WWAN2 interfaces, a LAN 4-port switch, an IP Router-10/100 (RJ 45),a WAN 1-port 10/100 (RJ 45) and a USB interface.

In one embodiment, the EVDO includes a plurality of indicators (e.g.LEDs) to indicate status of one or all of WAN1, WAN2, WWAN, LAN switch,and power.

In one embodiment, EVDO router 140 comprises a motherboard whichfunctions as a controller and a plurality of network carrier interfacedevices, 142 a-142 d, 144, and 148 interfaced with the controller and incommunication therewith.

EVDO router 140 further includes a DNS services processor, a timeprocessor, a port forwarding services processor, a routing processor, aVPN processor a firewall services processor and XML report serviceprocessor and a quality of service (QOS) module which performs aprioritization service based upon the status of specific ports andbandwidth requirements and use. Router 140 further comprises a loadbalancing system which directs traffic among multiple networks toprovide a desired throughput. Stated differently, the router includes aload balancing processor or module which utilizes multiple differentcarriers for load balancing

EVDO router 140 further includes a pair of transceivers which allowrouter 140 to provide access point services for devices.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are flow diagrams showing the processing performed by oron behalf of a router node which may, for example, be provided as partof a network such as one of the networks shown in FIGS. 1-5. Inparticular, the flow diagrams illustrate methods of establishing acommunication link in a network.

The rectangular elements (e.g. block 160 in FIG. 7) in the flow diagramsare herein denoted “processing blocks” and represent steps orinstructions or groups of instructions. Some of the processing blockscan represent an empirical procedure or a database while others canrepresent computer software instructions or groups of instructions. Someof the steps described in the flow diagram may be implemented viacomputer software while others may be implemented in a different mannere.g. via an empirical procedure.

The diamond shaped elements (e.g. block 162 in FIG. 7) in the flowdiagrams are herein denoted “decision blocks” and represent steps orinstructions or groups of instructions which affect the execution of thecomputer software instructions represented by the processing blocks.Some of the processing blocks and/or decision blocks can represent anempirical procedure or a database while others can represent computersoftware instructions or groups of instructions. Some of the processesdescribed in the flow diagram may be implemented via computer softwarewhile others may be implemented in a different manner e.g. via anempirical procedure.

Alternatively, some of the processing blocks and/or decision blocks canrepresent processes performed by functionally equivalent circuits suchas a digital signal processor circuit or an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC). The flow diagram does not depict the syntaxof any particular programming language. Rather, the flow diagramillustrates the functional information one of ordinary skill in the artrequires to perform the processes or to fabricate circuits or togenerate computer software to perform the processing required of theparticular apparatus. It should be noted that where computer softwarecan be used, many routine program elements, such as initialization ofloops and variables and the use of temporary variables are not shown. Itwill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that unlessotherwise indicated herein, the particular sequence of steps describedis illustrative only and can be varied without departing from the spiritof the concepts, systems and techniques described herein.

Turning now to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, processing of an EVDO gatewaywireless router begins in processing block 160 with a system bootprocedure.

Processing then proceeds to processing block 161 in which a routingprotocol is executed to determine (e.g., via a carrier connectionprocessor) whether to establish a connection over a carrier or via alocal wireless network. Processing then flows to decision block 162 inwhich a decision is made (e.g., via a carrier connection processor) asto whether a suitable carrier (e.g., a suitable carrier grade modem) isavailable. If a suitable carrier is found, then processing proceeds toprocessing block 164 in which the carrier (e.g., carrier(s) of thesuitable carrier grade modem) is identified and processing block 166 inwhich an appropriate configuration is allocated for the identifiedcarrier.

In processing block 168, a dial up process begins (e.g., via a carrierconnection processor) and then a firewall is implemented (e.g., via acarrier connection processor) for each carrier as indicated byprocessing block 170. The firewall implementation process includesprocessing blocks 172, 174. in processing block 172 either a loadbalance is performed (e.g., via a load balancing processor) between thetwo dial ups or one dial up is selected (e.g., via a carrier selectionprocessor) and the second dial up is used as a failover and inprocessing block 174 services are performed. Services may include, forexample, VPN services and test services (FIG. 8).

Referring now to FIG. 8, a test service process performed by a routersuch as one of the routers described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-6begins in processing block 190 where the router tests a link qualityindex (LQI) of each carrier.

Processing then proceeds to processing block 192 in which the routerdetermines (e.g., via a carrier connection processor) which carrierprovides the most suitable connection based upon the obtained LQIvalues. Processing then proceeds to block 194 an actual networkconnection is established (e.g., via a carrier connection processor)through the selected carrier.

In processing block 196, firewall information is created for properrouting and then a VPN is established as shown in processing block 198.The VPN is created by starting a protocol service in which a routeradvertises that the router is able to establish a connection.

Then, as shown in processing block 200, test services are performedthrough the VPN to a known endpoint (i.e. the known server). Next, asshown in blocks 202, 204, the signal (e.g., the signal to the knownendpoint) is checked and a determination is made (e.g., via a carrierconnection processor) as to whether the signal is stable. If the signalis stable, then the process restarts. It should be noted that theprocess runs periodically to prevent the network from being flooded dueto a bad link.

Having described preferred embodiments which serve to illustrate variousconcepts, structures and techniques which are the subject of thispatent, it will now become apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart that other embodiments incorporating these concepts, structures andtechniques may be used. Accordingly, it is submitted that that scope ofthe patent should not be limited to the described embodiments but rathershould be limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating an evolution-dataoptimized (EVDO) wireless router comprising: determining whether aconnection to a suitable carrier grade modem exists; in response to asuitable carrier grade modem existing, identifying at least one carrierof the carrier grade modem; allocating an appropriate configuration forthe at least one identified carrier; performing a dial up process foreach carrier of the carrier grade modem; implementing a firewall foreach carrier of the carrier grade modem wherein implementing a firewallfor each carrier of the carrier grade modem comprises: performing one ofa load balance between two or more dial ups of the dial up process orselecting one dial up of the dial up process and identifying a seconddial up of the dial up process as a failover; performing one or moreservices on each carrier of the carrier grade modem wherein performingone or more services on each carrier of the carrier grade modemcomprises: performing one or more virtual private network (VPN) servicesor test services on each carrier of the carrier grade modem and whereinperforming one or more test services on each carrier of the carriergrade modem comprises testing a link quality index (LQI) of each carrierof the carrier grade modem.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:determining which carrier provides a most suitable connection based uponthe obtained LQI values; and based upon the determining, selecting acarrier; and establishing a network connection through the selectedcarrier.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising: creating firewallinformation for proper routing to the selected carrier; and establishinga VPN connection with a select network.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinestablishing a VPN connection with a select network comprises: startinga protocol service in which the EVDO wireless router advertises that theEVDO wireless router is able to establish a connection with the selectnetwork.
 5. The method of claim 3 further comprising: performing testservices through the VPN connection to a known endpoint; and determiningif signals to the known endpoint are sufficiently stable; and based uponthe determining, restarting or terminating the performing of the testservices.
 6. A system including an evolution-data optimized (EVDO)wireless router, the system comprising: means for determining whether aconnection to a suitable carrier grade modem exists: means foridentifying at least one carrier of a carrier grade modem in response toa suitable carrier grade modem existing; means for allocating anappropriate configuration for the at least one identified carriercomprising: means for performing a dial up process for each carrier ofthe carrier grade modem; means for implementing a firewall for eachcarrier of the carrier grade modem. wherein said means for implementinga firewall for each carrier of the carrier grade modem comprises: meansfor performing one of a load balance between two or more dial ups of thedial up process or selecting one dial up of the dial up process andidentifying a second dial up of the dial up process as a failover; meansfor performing one or more services on each carrier of the carrier grademodem wherein said means for performing one or more services on eachcarrier of the carrier grade modem comprises means for performing one ormore virtual private network (VPN) services or test services on eachcarrier of the carrier grade modem and wherein said means for performingone or more test services on each carrier of the carrier grade modemcomprises means for testing a link quality index (LQI) of each carrierof the carrier grade modem.
 7. The system of claim 6 further comprising:means for determining which carrier provides a most suitable connectionbased upon the obtained LQI values; means for selecting a carrier basedupon the determining; and means for establishing a network connectionthrough the selected carrier.
 8. An evolution-data optimized (EVDO)wireless router comprising: a carrier determination processor todetermine whether a connection to a suitable carrier grade modem existsand to identify at least one carrier of the carrier grade modem; acarrier selection processor to allocate an appropriate configuration forthe at least one carrier identified by the carrier determinationprocessor; a carrier connection processor to perform a dial up processfor each carrier of the carrier grade modem and to implement a firewallfor each carrier of the carrier grade modem; a load balancing processorto perform a load balance between two or more dial ups of the dial upprocess performed by the carrier connection processor; a plurality ofwireless network carrier cards, each of the network carrier cardsadapted for use with one of a like plurality of different carriernetworks wherein the carrier determination processor determines which ofthe plurality of network carrier cards provides a suitable connection tothe carrier grade modem; and wherein the carrier selection processorselects one or more suitable connections to the carrier grade modem inresponse to information from said carrier determination processor suchthat a communication path is provided between the EVDO router and thecarrier grade modem through a particular one of the plurality of networkcarrier cards.